Bridge construction

ABSTRACT

This application discloses a novel bridge construction for use in affording vehicle and pedestrian traffic over small streams and wetlands. The construction utilizes standardized sizes of pier blocks for supporting standardized deck plates, with interengaging anchor projections and sockets one on the upper ends of the pier blocks and the other on the undersides of the deck plates. Identical sockets also are provided on the bottom ends of the pier blocks for engaging the projections on underlying pier blocks, affording vertical stacking of pier blocks to accommodate varying vertical distances between a stream and an elevated roadway. A V-shaped groove formed by the tapered longitudinal edges of adjacent deck plates, together with a registering outward indentation communicating with the groove, is adapted for filling with a concrete grout, for securing the deck plates against vertical displacement.

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) ofProvisional application Serial No. 60/336,200 filed Oct. 23, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to bridges and more particularly to abridge construction for use in road building in wetlands and streamcrossings where ecological importance recognizes that natural streambottoms are essential for preservation of fish and other aquaticwildlife.

[0003] Bridges provided heretofore for the purpose are much too complexand costly for use by farmers and the like to provide for the crossingof vehicles and pedestrians over small streams and wetlands.

[0004] Typical of such prior bridge constructions are those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,981,038 and 5,471,694.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention provides a short span bridge construction forsmall streams and the like that is formed of standardized deck sectionsand a supporting assembly of a plurality of interconnected standardizedpier blocks.

[0006] It is the principal objective of this invention to provide abridge construction that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations ofprior bridge constructions.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is the provision of a bridgeconstruction of the class described which is capable of assembly withconventional light cranes or excavation type equipment.

[0008] Still another objective of this invention is to provide a bridgeconstruction of the class described in which the deck plates areprovided with means for securing their longitudinal abutting edgestogether against relative vertical displacement.

[0009] A further object of this invention is the provision of a bridgeconstruction of the class described which includes pier blocks capableof being secured together in an outwardly angled arrangement fordiverting upstream water toward the center of the stream.

[0010] A still further objective of this invention is the provision of abridge construction of the class described in which the deck plates andpier blocks are constructed of reinforced concrete in standardized sizesproviding for convenient and economical manufacture and inventorycontrol.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this inventionwill appear from the following detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a bridge constructionembodying the features of this invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary foreshortened longitudinal section takenon the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the top end of a pier block.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the pier block taken on theline 4-4 in FIG. 3.

[0016]FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view of the top and adjacent one ofstacked pier blocks shown in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a further pier block configuration.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative pier block configurationwhich adds to FIG. 6 the offset end segments for increased stability.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8-8 inFIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the function of thearcuate configuration of connectors between sloping deck plates onunderlying vertical pier blocks.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical elevation of an assembly of pierblocks for a tall pier block configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a bridge embodying the novel features of thisinvention spanning a stream S below and confronting a roadway R toafford the crossing of vehicles and pedestrians. The bridge is formed ofa plurality of modular components including a plurality of pier blocks10 positioned at opposite sides of the stream and disposed in end-to-endabutment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 the pierblocks have rounded ends arranged in abutment to form a unitaryelongated structure predetermined to provide a bridge width suitable forthe intended purpose.

[0023]FIG. 2 illustrates the bridge construction of FIG. 1 requiringstacked end piers because the stream S is at a lower level relative tothe roadway R. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the pier blocks10 previously mentioned are stacked vertically in two or more rows toaccommodate the desired height. For this purpose each block is providedat its bottom side with spaced sockets 12 (FIGS. 2 and 4) configured toreceive the correspondingly spaced upward projections 14 on the topsides of overlying pier blocks. As shown in FIG. 5, the pier blocks ofan overlying row are arranged to span the juncture between adjacentblocks of the underlying row. This arrangement serves to secure togetherall of the blocks in all of the rows, against longitudinal displacement.

[0024]FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate the use of outwardly angled wing blocks10′ at at least the upstream end of the bottom pier block rows which areimmersed in the stream, for diverting rushing flood waters toward thecenter of the stream and thus prevent damage to the installation. Asillustrated, two end blocks 10″ at the opposite ends of the next upperrow of pier blocks 10 span the inner portions of end blocks 10′ andadjacent outer end portions of the next adjacent confronting pier blocksto secure the outward angle. Openings 16 centrally through theprojections 14 and sockets 12 are in alignment when pier blocks arestacked vertically, allowing a length of threaded rod 18 (FIG. 2) to beinserted through the stacked blocks. An enlarged portion 16′ of thevertical openings 16 at the top of each pier block receives a washer 20and threaded nut 22 to secure the rod 18 vertically. After concretegrout 24 is filled into the openings 16, the rod is pushed into place,the washer 20 and nut 22 installed, and grout is filled into the opening16′ to secure the rod. Compressible, flexible rod material 26 isinterposed between the pier blocks and deck plates to prevent escape ofgrout. The stacked blocks thus are secured against lateral displacement.

[0025] If the wing blocks are not needed, the blocks are disposed on astraight line, as illustrated by the top row of blocks in FIG. 5.

[0026]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration of a single, longpier block 10 a which differs from the shorter pier blocks 10 in FIG. 5.The long block is dimensioned to extend the full width of a bridge to beerected. It may range in length between 10 and 25 feet (3-7.5 meters),although other lengths may be used as desired. It is typically about 2.5feet (0.75 meter) wide and about 15 inches (38 cm) high. Again, otherdimensions may be selected, as desired. This single pier block isdesirable for use in installations that do not need the assembly of theshorter pier blocks 10 of FIG. 5, whereby to minimize installation timeand cost. The interengaging sockets 12, projections 14 and openings 16are provided, as are weep holes 15 through the width of the block torelieve water pressure.

[0027]FIG. 7 illustrates a single, long pier block 10 b which isprovided with end returns 10 b′ extending laterally outward from theintermediate section 10 b to afford greater lateral stability in certainsoil and other base conditions. The previously described sockets 12,projections 14, openings 16 and weep holes 15 also are provided.

[0028] As previously mentioned the top longitudinal side of each pierblock 10 is provided with a plurality of spaced apart upwardly roundedprojections 14 configured for reception in correspondingly spacedsockets 12 formed in the underside of each pier block. Similarly spacedsockets 28 are provided in the bottom surfaces of a plurality of deckplates 30 adjacent each end thereof. The longitudinal spacing betweenthe end sockets 28 is configured to conform to the spacing betweenprojections 14 on the rows of pier blocks 10 on the opposite sides ofthe stream to be spanned.

[0029] The projections 14 are spaced apart on each pier block so thatwhen arranged together to form an elongated row the spacing betweenadjacent projections on adjacent blocks is the same as the spacing ofthe projections on each block, as best illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, thespacing between the sockets 28 at each end of a deck plate 30 serves tolock the pier blocks together against longitudinal placement. Thespacing between the sockets 28 at each end of a deck plate 30 alsoallows adjacent deck plates to be secured together against lateraldisplacement, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0030] The curb plates 30 match the length and thickness of theintermediate deck plates and the configuration of the sockets 28 in theunderside matches the sockets in the intermediate deck plates. Thecurbing 32 preferably is about 6 inches (15 cm) high and 6 inches wide.

[0031] The longitudinal sides of adjacent deck plates 30 are secured bythe connector device best shown in FIG. 8. The side edge 34 of eachadjacent plate is contoured angularly so that the space between adjacentplates tapers from the upper surface of the plate downward to smallerdimension. Additionally, the tapered side is interrupted intermediateits top and bottom ends with an indentation 36 configured to align withthe indentation on the edge of the adjacent plate to form a lock.

[0032] When the adjacent plates are arranged on the underlyingsupporting pier blocks, a length of resilient packing 38 is forceddownward in the tapered space until it is located at the bottom of saidspace. Concrete grout material 40 then is flowed into the tapered space,including the lock 36, the packing 38 preventing escape of grout fromthe space. When the grout is cured and hardened the adjacent deck platesare bonded together permanently and the plates are secured againstrelative vertical displacement by virtue of the lock 36. Transverse rods30′ preferably are extended through aligned openings horizontallythrough the width of the deck plates 30, and end nuts are drawn againstthe opposite sides of the deck plate assembly to clamp them togetheragainst lateral separation.

[0033] Manipulation of the pier blocks for installation is facilitatedby lifting hooks 42 (FIGS. 3 and 4) integrated into the blocks duringformation and curing of the concrete. A lifting crane or other hoistingapparatus needs only a grappling hook for engaging the lifting hooks.Analogous hooks (not shown) are provided on the ends of the deck plates30 to facilitate lifting and placing them on the pier blocks. Therounded projections 14 on the pier blocks and corresponding sockets 28in the underside of the deck plates 30 enables proper angular mountingof the deck plates to correspond with the slope of the roadway relativeto horizontal, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0034] It is to be noted from FIG. 9 that the openings 16 in the deckplates 30 are larger than the threaded rod 18, to allow angularadjustment of the deck plates relative to the vertically extended pierblocks. This accommodates installation of deck plates to conform to theslope of roadway R connected by the bridge. Compressible, flexible rodmaterial 44 is interposed between the pier block and deck plate toprevent escape of grout 24.

[0035] In the preferred construction of the modular components of thebridge described hereinbefore, the pier blocks 10 are preformed ofconcrete poured into molds. If desired, reinforcing rebar may beembedded in the concrete. The size and shape of the pier blocks may bevaried, as desired. A preferred configuration of pier block is 5 feet(1.5 meters) long, 2.5 feet (0.75 meter) high and 2.5 feet (0.75 meter)thick. The rounded projections 14 at the top end are about 2.5 inches(6.35 cm) tall and about 18 inches (43.2 cm) in diameter at the base.The sockets 12 in the bottom end are configured to seat the topprojections of an underlying row.

[0036] The deck plates 30 also preferably are of precast concrete, withembedded reinforcing rebar. The width of the deck plate preferably is2.5 or 5 feet (0.75 or 1.5 meters) to overlie the 5 feet dimension ofthe pier block 10. The plates preferably are 8-12 inches (15 cm) thick.Sockets 28 in the underside of the deck plates adjacent the oppositeends are spaced apart laterally to match the spacing of the projection14 in the top ends of the upper row of pier blocks. The length of thedeck plate is variable to accommodate the bridge length required to spana specific stream or other body of water. This typically ranges between9 and 25 feet (4.5-8 meters), although other lengths may beaccommodated, as desired.

[0037]FIG. 10 illustrates a bridge configuration for crossing a stream Slocated a substantial depth below a roadway R. For this purpose the pierblocks 46 and 48 are provided in single and double lengths,respectively, to accommodate assembly into progressively increasinglengths downwardly from a roadway level to the level of a stream S. Theuppermost pier blocks 46 and deck plates 30 are secured together by alength of rebar 50 extended through the central openings 16 in theblocks and plates, and grout material 52 is filled into the openings 16and 16′ to secure the blocks and plates together against displacement.Compressible rod material 54 seals the bottom of opening 16 and thespace between the deck plates and pier blocks.

[0038] From the foregoing it will be apparent that this inventionprovides for the economical construction of a bridge with relativelysmall lifting equipment for spanning relatively small streams and otherwaters, by utilizing standardized sizes of pier blocks and deck plateswith corresponding interengaging connector members for constructingbridges of different lengths and widths and different vertical distancesbetween a waterway and a roadway. The standardization of pier blocks anddeck plates affords economical manufacture and simplified inventoryingof sizes for rapid selection according to the selected stream location.

[0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variouschanges may be made in the size, shape, type, number and arrangement ofparts described hereinbefore, to accommodate specific requirements oflength, height, width, loading and other parameters. Preferably, theyare sized to provide an inventory of standardized components and toaccommodate use of light cranes or excavated type equipment intransporting and manipulating them at a installation site. These andother modifications may be made, as desired, without departing from thespirit of this invention and the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A bridge construction for vehicle and pedestrian trafficover small streams, comprising: a) a plurality of pier blocks ofpredetermined dimensions for assembly along opposite sides of a stream,b) a plurality of deck plates of predetermined dimensions for assemblyspanning the stream and supported by the underlying pier blocks, and c)interengaging anchor means on the upper ends of the pier blocks and onthe undersides of the deck plates for securing the pier blocks and deckplates together against relative displacement.
 2. The bridgeconstruction of claim 1 including interengaging anchor means on thebottom ends of the pier blocks configured to mate with the anchor meanson the upper ends of the pier blocks disposed vertically below the upperpier blocks.
 3. The bridge construction of claim 2 wherein theinterengaging anchor means are arranged in pairs spaced apart to spanthe space between and engage one anchor means on each of adjacent pierblocks for securing said pier blocks against relative displacement. 4.The bridge construction of claim 2 wherein the interengaging anchormeans are raised projections on one of said pier blocks and deck platesand matching sockets on the other of said pier blocks and deck plates.5. The bridge construction of claim 1 wherein the facing longitudinaledges of adjacent deck plates are tapered downwardly, and a lateralindentation is formed in each facing edge, the tapered and indentedopenings being arranged for filling with mortar to secure the platesagainst relative vertical displacement.
 6. The bridge construction ofclaim 1 wherein the pier blocks have rounded lateral ends and aredisposed to form at least two vertically stacked longitudinal rows, andat least one end block of a row immersed in a stream is disposedangularly outward to divert water flow of the stream toward the centerof the stream, the pier blocks in the adjacent upper row each spanningthe space between adjacent pier blocks in the next lower row to securethe blocks against relative displacement.
 7. The bridge construction ofclaim 1 wherein each pier block is provided with a vertical openingthrough the center of the interengaging anchor means on the upper andbottom sides of the pier block, the openings in each pier blockregistering with openings in vertically adjacent pier blocks whereby toaccommodate the installation of locking means in said registeringopenings.
 8. The bridge construction of claim 7 wherein the lockingmeans comprises a rod extending through said registering openings. 9.The bridge construction of claim 7 wherein the locking means comprisesrod and mortar extending through said registering openings.